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[3isenough]

I'm sure there must be a thread for this but I can't find it so sorry.

Just been told after 6 weeks on estradot, it's not available ... not a huge surprise but currently pharmacy is unable to find anything else in patches and recommending I go back to GP... which will be fun this week 

Any suggestions on what is available? And a good alternative. I'm using estradot 100mg patches and my GP was reluctant to do anything in the first place and only prescribed because I was referred to a specialist gynae Meno clinic. Since then bloods have shown I am in peri, and I feel so so so much better. But I know he won't be confident in suggesting an alternative and I have no future date with the specialist yet.

Any advice welcome

[Wilks]

I was on Estradot for 2 years and haven't been able to get any since about April. I was switched to Evorel patches but I've not been able to get them for a month or 2, so I'm now on Oestrogel. It's fine but not as convenient as patches.

[Katejo]

I was on Estradot for 2 years and haven't been able to get any since about April. I was switched to Evorel patches but I've not been able to get them for a month or 2, so I'm now on Oestrogel. It's fine but not as convenient as patches.

It is still possible to get Evorel patches from certain online pharmacies. I have ordered twice successfully from https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/menopause-hrt/evorel-conti-patches  If you post them an NHS prescription, you won't be charged any more than the usual NHS prescription cost. They have limited supply to each person to 3 packs of 8 but that is enough for almost 3 months.

[3isenough]

Good to know Katejo thanks

[3isenough]

I was on Estradot for 2 years and haven't been able to get any since about April. I was switched to Evorel patches but I've not been able to get them for a month or 2, so I'm now on Oestrogel. It's fine but not as convenient as patches.

It is still possible to get Evorel patches from certain online pharmacies. I have ordered twice successfully from https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/menopause-hrt/evorel-conti-patches  If you post them an NHS prescription, you won't be charged any more than the usual NHS prescription cost. They have limited supply to each person to 3 packs of 8 but that is enough for almost 3 months.

Amazingly I have just ordered some estradot from here... fingers crossed it arrives. It is 50s not 100 but I guess I can use 2 at a time. I balked at the price but as my husband said it's less than the turkey and at least this way I won't be throwing it at anyone!

After Christmas I can then have some time to try and figure out a longer term solution. 

[LizzyLoo]

I'm sure there must be a thread for this but I can't find it so sorry.

Just been told after 6 weeks on estradot, it's not available ... not a huge surprise but currently pharmacy is unable to find anything else in patches and recommending I go back to GP... which will be fun this week 

Any suggestions on what is available? And a good alternative. I'm using estradot 100mg patches and my GP was reluctant to do anything in the first place and only prescribed because I was referred to a specialist gynae Meno clinic. Since then bloods have shown I am in peri, and I feel so so so much better. But I know he won't be confident in suggesting an alternative and I have no future date with the specialist yet.

Any advice welcome

Hi there, my advice for anyone is ring around a couple of pharmacies in your area to see what they have got in stock just prior to any Doc's appt. Do your research too in what is the equivalent of your current dose in other brands. I did this.....and also on the suggestions of the pharmacy and so then went to my Docs with the alternative that they had. He checked it was the same and then wrote me a new prescription. He also said I'd done my research well lol as he wasn't too clued up on all things menopause and brands etc.

So then all I had to do was go collect the new prescription that they'd already put aside for me with my name on it.  I was so paranoid as it was the only box left they had. Huge relief when I picked it up and I've transferred well to the similar patch.

Good Luck 

[Kimberly]

I was on Estradot 75mg and now cannot get any.  My doctor has changed me to a Elleste Solo patches 80mg.  I have not started on them yet so cannot give any feedback so far.  I am due to start them next week.  The BMS web site says that Estradot patches are available but I have phoned round a lot of pharmacies in the area and my pharmacy has also tried to get some but no luck. Good luck with your doctor.

[3isenough]

Thanks Kimberly and Lizzie, I have the private estradot for the next few weeks to give me time to research the other options and make some calls. It's taken me 3 years to get the HRT (and proper bloods taken) it is so frustrating that within a couple of months they am now fighting for the right meds again. 

[LizzyLoo]

Yeh I understand......feels quite isolating too doesn't it? There is a link from this site to Meds, suggestions of equivalent options that I saw recently. Have a nosy round x

[Taz2]

If you search for Latest Update from British Menopause Society on HRT Shortages it should bring up the thread. I can't link it from my phone.

Taz x

[Hurdity]

Here is the link to what alternatives can be used if your preferred HRT is unavailable:
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/HRT-alternatives-04.11.2019.pdf

... and here is the link to the latest info about shortages although it doesn't really translate to what's on the ground eg in my area there is no Estradot as it is only being released in small amounts (like it has been often for quite a number of years) so supply is still sporadic despite the manufacturers saying there is no problem. What they mean is there is no manufacturing problem at their end (unlike with some of the other HRT patches and pills).
https://thebms.org.uk/2019/11/british-menopause-society-further-update-on-hrt-supply-shortages-26-november-2019/

Hurdity x

[LizzyLoo]

Thanks Hurdity 

[Orangefoot]

I popped in to ask this week and my local pharmacy here in Southampton has a drawer full of Estradot at last!

[Hurdity]

Lucky you Orangefoot! I have a month's worth of Estraderm and then I've got two months of Elleste solo TS. When this has eventually run out I will try seeing if my practice dispensary can issue me with a prescription to try to get estradot elsewhere but don't hold out much hope in the very small rural market town I live near! The local Boots is pocket handerkerchief sized and the smallest I've ever come across!

Hurdity x

[3isenough]

Interesting they are available in Southampton, I still haven't managed to get a date or alternative from my pharmacist...